Chelsea take on Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium tonight and Xabi Alonso could be without a number of players for the Premier League game
Xabi Alonso and Joao Pedro
Xabi Alonso and Joao Pedro(Image: (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images))
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Chelsea will be looking to return to winning ways when they take on Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium tonight. After an impressive start to the season, the Blues have failed to pick up all three points in their last two Premier League matches.
Xabi Alonso’s side has been struggling defensively and has had difficulty controlling games. They have conceded 12 goals in six matches across all competitions but have scored 18, including six in the second half of a remarkable Carabao Cup comeback against Leeds United at Stamford Bridge.
And tonight they take on Brentford, who are yet to taste defeat so far this season. However, they have turned into something of a draw specialist, with 10 of their past 14 Premier League fixtures ending level, including three of four this season.
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However, Alonso’s side may be able to call upon Joao Pedro for tonight's game. The Brazilian football federation announced he has been replaced in the national team squad because of injury earlier this week, but Alonso refused to rule him out of tonight’s game.
“In terms of injuries and in terms of the squad, we are having the last training session tomorrow, so no one is ruled out for us for Friday,” he said. “I prefer to be cautious, and we will wait until tomorrow to take the final decision on every player.”
Moises Caicedo has missed his side’s last three games against Arsenal, Leeds and Hull after lasting just 14 minutes on his return against Luton Town.
And asked for an update yesterday, Alonso said: “He's getting closer and tomorrow we will take the final decision in the team and in the squad that is coming to Brentford.”
Jordan Henderson before Chelsea's win over Fulham at the start of the season
Jordan Henderson before Chelsea's win over Fulham at the start of the season(Image: (Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images))
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Jordan Henderson is yet to feature for Chelsea this season after joining the club from the Bees during the summer, and it remains to be seen whether the England international or Marco Palestra will be included in tonight’s matchday squad.
“Tomorrow, final decision,” Alonso said when asked about the pair. “Sorry mate, I'm repeating, but your questions are the same. I think that before the players know it, we need to assess all the decisions with the last training and tomorrow we will take the decision for the game in Brentford.”
It also remains to be seen if Emmanuel Emegha has returned to full fitness for the game. While Reece James was not involved in the first part of a training session at Cobham on Tuesday that was open to Sky Sports, Alonso said yesterday: “No, it was just a decision for Tuesday and we'll see his development and tomorrow we will decide.”
While for Brentford, Josh Dasilva (hamstring), Antoni Milambo (ACL), Nathan Collins (calf), Sepp van den Berg (groin), Kaye Furo (metatarsal) and Mathias Jensen (muscle) all remain sidelined.